CVE-2008-4655 in simplesurvey
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Simple survey (simplesurvey) 1.7.0 and earlier extension for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2018
The CVE-2008-4655 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the simplesurvey extension version 1.7.0 and earlier for the TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the extension's handling of user input parameters that are directly incorporated into sql query constructions without proper sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the survey extension which processes user responses and stores them in the database, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit the underlying database infrastructure. The flaw specifically manifests when the extension fails to properly validate or escape input data that is subsequently used in sql command building operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters that are processed by the simplesurvey extension. Attackers can craft malicious input that, when processed by the vulnerable code, gets directly embedded into sql statements without proper filtering mechanisms. This allows threat actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account under which the TYPO3 application operates. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable complete database compromise including privilege escalation, data modification, and potential lateral movement within the application environment. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making the vulnerability accessible to any attacker with network access to the affected system.
From an operational standpoint, the implications of CVE-2008-4655 are severe for organizations running TYPO3 installations with the vulnerable simplesurvey extension. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for unauthorized database access that can result in complete data breaches, application compromise, and potential system takeover. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if sensitive survey data, user information, or other database contents are compromised. The vulnerability also represents a persistent threat that remains active as long as the vulnerable extension remains installed, making continuous monitoring and remediation essential for maintaining security posture. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89 which classifies sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
Security mitigations for CVE-2008-4655 require immediate action including the upgrade to the patched version of the simplesurvey extension or complete removal of the vulnerable component from the TYPO3 installation. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that application accounts have minimal required privileges and that database activities are properly logged for detection of unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes to identify and remediate known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by threat actors. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks targeting vulnerable applications.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly broad given that TYPO3 installations with the simplesurvey extension are commonly found in enterprise environments where sensitive data collection occurs. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to the execution and privilege escalation techniques, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar sql injection vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications, as the principles underlying this vulnerability are widely applicable across different software systems. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched extension to ensure that functionality is maintained while security is properly enhanced.